MX2012007651A

MX2012007651A - Method of operating elevators during emergency situations.

Info

Publication number: MX2012007651A
Application number: MX2012007651A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Christopher Mason
Original assignee: Inventio Ag
Priority date: 2009-12-31
Filing date: 2010-10-21
Publication date: 2012-11-22
Also published as: KR20120112660A; US8230980B2; AU2010338566B2; BR112012015858A2; US20110155516A1; EP2519464A1; EP2519464B1; HK1176047A1; CA2785874A1; CN102712445B; MY166080A; ES2457547T3; AU2010338566A1; CA2785874C; WO2011079975A1; PL2519464T3; SG181945A1; CN102712445A

Abstract

An elevator system having at least two elevators, wherein at least one of the elevators is designated as an emergency personnel elevator, can be operated to allow a firefighter to commandeer a second elevator for the purpose of ferrying persons to a safe evacuation floor. The elevator system is configured to determine if a request for an evacuation elevator originates from the firefighter elevator car positioned at one of several floors of a building. In response to the request, an elevator car other than the emergency personnel elevator car is designated as the evacuation elevator car. Further, the evacuation elevator car is dispatched to the floor the emergency personnel elevator car is positioned, and the evacuation elevator car is dispatched to a predefined evacuation floor upon receipt of an evacuation request made by the firefighter.

Description

METHOD OF OPERATION OF ELEVATORS DURING SITUATIONS OF EMERGENCY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The various embodiments described here relate, in general, to elevator systems. More specifically, the various embodiments described herein relate to a system and method for the operation of elevator systems during emergency situations for the purpose of evacuating building occupants from a multi-storey building having a plurality of floors.

US Pat. No. 6,000,505 describes that the 1996 Edition of the ASME A17.1 code for lifts requires the removal of all lifts, that is, in an emergency situation, such as a fire situation, all the hallway call stations are deactivated and all the elevators (ie, their elevator cabins) are automatically removed to a previously designated floor of the building. The elevator cabins are parked with the doors open and the elevators are temporarily put out of service. After arrival, the fire department can override the recall function by activating a fire department key switch to use each elevator cabin individually. To improve evacuation efficiency, US Pat. No. 6,000,505 describes an evacuation control system for emergency elevators that allows the use of elevators as an exit and evacuation means during an emergency situation, even before that the fire department arrives.

However, evacuation procedures may prescribe that the evacuation of people through an elevator car can only take place under the control and supervision of the fire department. According to these procedures, a firefighter cancels the function of removing an elevator and uses that elevator to travel through the building to inspect the plants or to evacuate people. In the process of evacuating people, the elevator and the fireman are reserved and, therefore, are not available for another use until the evacuation of the building is completed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, there is a need to increase the evacuation capacity, while avoiding infractions of current evacuation procedures. Accordingly, the various embodiments described herein describe a system and method of operating an elevator system in combination with an emergency situation. More particularly, these embodiments allow the fireman to command a second lift for the purpose of transferring people to a safe evacuation plant.

One aspect of the invention involves a method of operating an elevator system, having at least two elevators in combination with an emergency situation, wherein at least one elevator car is designated as an emergency personnel elevator car. . The method determines whether a request for an evacuation elevator proceeds from the emergency personnel elevator car positioned on one of several floors of a building. The method sends at least one elevator car as an evacuation elevator car to the floor where the emergency personnel lift is positioned. In addition, the method sends the evacuation elevator car to a predefined evacuation plant after receipt of an evacuation order.

Another aspect involves an elevator system having at least two elevators in combination with an emergency situation, wherein at least one is designated as an emergency personnel elevator car. The elevator system has an operation panel inside the emergency personnel elevator cabin configured to allow the entry of a request for an evacuation elevator cabin, and an elevator control system coupled to the operations panel and configured to communicate with the operations panel. The elevator control system is configured to determine whether the request for an evacuation elevator car comes from the emergency personnel elevator car positioned on one of several floors of a building, and to send at least one elevator car as an evacuation elevator car to the floor, in which the emergency personnel elevator car is positioned. In addition, the elevator control system is configured to send the evacuation elevator car to a predefined evacuation plant after receipt of an evacuation command.

The method and system can be configured to allow emergency personnel, for example a fire fighter, to repeatedly request an evacuation elevator until all occupants of the building are evacuated from a plant, or the building.

The evacuation of each plant takes place under the control and authority of a firefighter. The authority of the firefighter reduces the risk of panic among a group of frightened building occupants eager to leave the plant. If the occupants of the building are not in panic, the entrance to the elevator cabin takes place in a more controlled manner, which allows the entry of a maximum number of people. This avoids the problem of overloading the elevator car or blocking the doors of the elevator car, which can impede the operation of the elevator. If the fireman releases the evacuation elevator car, that is, sends an order to the group controller to send an evacuation elevator car to the evacuation plant, and remains in the plant, the firefighter can ensure that the doors are they close and the elevator car leaves the plant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS The new features and the steps of the method, characteristics of the invention, are set forth in the following claims. However, the invention itself, as well as other features and advantages thereof, are better understood by reference to the detailed description that follows, when read in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an elevator system within a building and configured to provide an increased evacuation capacity.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an operation panel inside an elevator car configured to allow to allow emergency personnel to send another elevator car; Y Figure 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of operating an elevator system during an emergency situation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of an elevator system 1 installed in a multi-storey building and configured to operate during emergency situations to allow efficient and safe evacuation of building occupants from the multi-storey building. The various embodiments described herein relate to an emergency situation caused by fire, in which emergency personnel, for example firefighters, follow an established procedure to inspect a building and evacuate people from the building, if necessary. However, it is contemplated that other emergency situations may require in the same manner a rapid and efficient evacuation of the building under the control of emergency personnel, such as an earthquake, a bomb threat, a hurricane, etc.

The users and occupants of the building have access and exit to the various floors Ll, L2, L3 of the building either by stairs 2 or by individual elevators 10, 10 '. In the illustrated embodiment, the elevator system 1 includes two elevators 10, 10 'arranged, for example, parallel and adjacent to each other. Each elevator 10, 10 'includes an associated elevator car 8, 8' and a control system 14, 14 'acting on a drive 12, 12' to move the elevator car 8, 8 ', for example suspended by one or more traction members 22, 22 ', in an elevator box 20, 20', from one of the floors Ll, L2, L3 to another. A pull member 22 can be a steel cable having a round cross section, or a group of cords (steel or non-metal) embedded in synthetic material having a non-round cross-section, for example a rectangular cross-section. In the illustrated embodiment, several sensors 6, 6 'are arranged in the box 20, 20' on or near the plants Ll, L2, L3 and coupled to the respective control system 14, 14 '. The sensors 6, 6 'are configured to detect the proximity of an elevator car 8, 8' and to generate corresponding sensor signals. The control system 14, 14 'uses the signals generated by the sensors to determine a current location of an elevator car 8, 8'. It is contemplated that the elevator system 1 may be configured to determine the location of an elevator car 8, 8 'in different ways. For example, the location can be determined through detection equipment in the elevator car 8, 8 'or through a system using information provided in the traction member 22.

In general, the physical structure of the elevator system 1 corresponds to the physical structure of a conventional elevator system. In one embodiment, the physical structure includes, in addition to the mentioned elements (control system 14, 14, drive 12, 12 'and traction member 22, 22'), a counterweight, guide rails for the elevator cars 8, 8 'and the counterweight, safety equipment, such as brakes and safety circuits for door mechanisms, etc. It is contemplated that, depending on a particular embodiment of the elevator system 1, the configuration and arrangement of these elements in the box 20, 20 'may vary. For example, the drive 12, 12 'may be arranged in a separate machine room or directly in the box 20, 20' ("elevator without machine room") in the upper part, as shown, or in the lower part of box 20, 20 '.

In the illustrated embodiment, the two elevators 10, 10 'are defined as a group or bank under the control of a group controller 16, in which the group controller 16 is coupled to the control system 14, 14' of each elevator 10, 10 '. The control system 14, 14 'and the group controller 16 form the elevator control system. In another embodiment, the group controller, or its functionality, is integrated into at least one of the control systems 14, 14 ', so that the control system 14, 14' controls the control of the elevator 10, 10 '. 'individual (particular) assigned as well as the control of the group of elevators 10, 10'. If each control system 14, 14 'includes the functionality of a group controller, and that functionality is active in a single control system 14, 14' each time, the inactive group controller, or its functionality, can be activated. to assume control of the group in the case of a failure of the group controller (or functionality) currently active. Advantageously, this provides redundancy of the functionality of the group controller.

The group controller 16 and the control systems 14, 14 'include (micro) processors and associated electronic circuitry, such as interfaces, special application integrated circuits (ASICs), power supplies, and storage devices / memories. The processors are programmed to execute specific control algorithms and procedures. For example, the group controller 16, or its functionality, when implemented in a control system 14, 14 ', is configured and programmed to execute the method illustrated in the flow chart of Figure 3 and its variations, as describe here. Next, the group controller 16 is described as a separate entity; however, it is contemplated that the functionality of the group controller 16 may be implemented in the control systems 14, 14 ', as mentioned above.

In general, the group controller 16 serves as a central coordinator for the actions and operation of one or more elevators 10, 10 '. The group controller 16 collects and stores information about the status of the individual elevators 10, 10 'within its supervisory scope. The individual elevators 10, 10 'update the group controller 16 with status information about its availability for any group operation, location, speed, door status, current operating mode (eg, automatic, manual, one of several services special, defective / unavailable), and passenger requests to be processed, for example calls from the cabin, etc.

The group controller 16 makes use of the information received to determine an "optimum" elevator 10, 10 'to handle a passenger request (eg, floor calls or destination-based requests) and sends the selected elevator 10, 10' to the position of the requesting passenger. The sending is a dynamic process and the group controller 16 is constantly optimizing the delivery so that, if the elevator 10, 10 'sent originally were to be activated in a different mode of operation, it would be delayed in the trip or become unavailable, the group controller 16 can select and send a different elevator 10, 10 '.

The group controller 16 also manages special operating modes specific to the elevator group. These special operating modes include, but are not limited to, emergency evacuation by fire, emergency power operation, parking of cabins during rest periods and selection of cabins for special passenger requests. The group controller 16 also plays an active part in the communication and coordination of the operation of the group with building management systems and other groups of elevators.

Therefore, the group controller 16"knows" the status of each elevator 10, 10 ', that is, the current location of the elevator cars 8, 8', if the elevator cars 8, 8 'are going up or down. going down in response to a call, current load, and other operational parameters. The current location of each elevator car 8, 8 'is detected, for example, by means of the sensors 6, 6' in the floors Ll, L2, L3 communicating the signals indicative of the position to the control system 14, 14. 'respective. In another embodiment, an elevator car 8, 8 'may be equipped with a sensor that generates a signal indicative of the position, the elevator system 1 may be equipped with any other system that provides position information. For example, when a passenger makes a call in one of the plants Ll, L2, L3, the group controller 16 selects, in view of the operating parameters, an elevator 10, 10 'suitable for serving that call. A suitable elevator 10, 10 'is, for example, one whose cabin 8, 8' is closer to the floor Ll, L2, L3, where the passenger is waiting or one whose cabin 8, 8 'is moving in the same address that the passenger expects to arrive to minimize the delay due to stops.

Each control system 14, 14 'is connected to the drive 12, 12' of the elevator 10, 10 '. The drive 12, 12 'acts on the pulling member 22, 22' to move the elevator car 8, 8 'as is known in the art. The elevator control system, for example, the control systems 14, 14 ', either directly or through the group controller 16, may be in communication with at least one of a remote control unit in a service center remote, a police post, a fire station and a remote management center of the building. In this case, the elevators 10, 10 'and other elements of the building, such as doors, lights or windows, can be supervised and controlled remotely in the case of an emergency, for example, through the public telephone network or any another network that is reliable in emergency conditions.

In addition, in the building management center, the status of the elevator system 1 can be displayed in a status panel. In the case of an emergency situation, the displayed state may include, for example, the location of the firemen's elevator, if the firefighters have requested an evacuation elevator cabin, if an evacuation cabin has been selected and is on the way, and if the fire department has sent an order to send the evacuation booth to the evacuation plant, or any other information indicative of the status of the elevator system. In certain embodiments, the personnel in the building management center may use the status information to control or monitor a certain elevator 10, 10 '(eg, the evacuation elevator path) or to inform / update the information of the firemen in the building It is contemplated that the elevator system 1 may have more than two elevators 10, 10 'and that the group controller 16 be configured to control a group of more than two elevators. Furthermore, in certain embodiments of the elevator system 1, more than one elevator car can be traveling in a box or an elevator car can be configured as a multi-deck car.

At least one operation panel 4, 4 ', also known as arrival operations panel (LQP), is installed on each floor Ll, 12, L3 and is coupled to the elevator control system, for example, directly to the elevator system. control 14, 14 ', and to communicate with the operation panel 4, 4'. Depending on a particular configuration of the elevator system 1, the operation panel 4, 4 'allows a passenger to call an elevator car by pressing, for example, the "up" or "down" button, or by entering a desired destination to through an input device (for example, a touch screen or keyboard). The operation panel 4, 4 'may include an electronic reading device configured to read information from a card or badge that is requested to a passenger who places near the electronic reading device to call an elevator car. The electronic reading device may be configured to read a bar code from a badge or to consult an RFID storage device on the badge. It is contemplated that the operation panel 4, 4 'is designed and equipped to be suitable for a particular configuration of the elevator system 1.

In the case of an emergency situation, the operation panel 4, 4 'is either normally deactivated or any entry made in the operation panel 4, 4' is rejected due to the risk of its malfunction due to the fire situation . In certain embodiments of the elevator system 1 or the building's communication system, a plant may be equipped with a unidirectional or bidirectional communication system (eg, a loudspeaker and a microphone) coupled to the building management center. In an emergency situation, the communications system can be used for communications between the staff of the building management center and an occupant of the building in the plant.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of an operation panel 18, 18 'inside an elevator car 8, 8' and configured to allow emergency personnel to send another elevator car. Within each elevator car 8, 8 'the operation panel 18, 18' is mounted or integrated into an interior wall or coupled to the control system 14, 14 '. The operation panel 18, 18 'is also known as the cabin operations panel (COP). Depending on a particular configuration of the elevator system 1, the operation panel 18, 18 'allows a passenger to enter a desired destination, for example through a keypad 30 shown in Figure 2. Independent of the particular configuration of the vehicle. elevator system 1 are other conventional functions of the operation panel 18, 18 ', such as an alarm function or SOS, a communication function (talk and listen) and an indicator 38 for a plant (number) and / or address of the trip ("up", "down").

In addition, some countries such as the USA require that the operation panel 18, 18 'have a fire department function that allows a fireman to operate the elevator car 8, 8' during an emergency situation. In one embodiment of the operation panel 18, 18 ', the fire department function is centralized in a locked compartment 32 of the operation panel 18, 18'. This compartment 32 is also known as a "hidden box", hidden and not accessible to passengers. For illustrative purposes, Figure 2 shows the compartment 32 without a lid, so that a man-machine interface (MMI) 28 (hereinafter referred to as "MMI 28") is visible in Figure 2. The compartment 32 includes, for example, a fire department key switch, individual buttons to enter a destination plant, and buttons to open and close the door.

To allow a firefighter, or any other emergency personnel, to send a second lift for the purpose of transferring people to a safety evacuation plant to evacuate the building, the operation panel 18, 18 '(or its "hidden box") has an exclusive function in addition to the conventional firefighter MMI 28 that allows a fireman to operate the elevator car 8, 8'. This exclusive function allows the firefighter to request another lift cabin to its current location. The exclusive function can be implemented in several ways: as at least one separate button 34, or key switch, in the MMI 28 or in another position within the compartment 32, or as an additional function in an existing button (for example, the firefighter presses the button of the plant that is currently checking, what the control system 14, 14 'and / or the group controller 16 interprets as a request for another elevator car 8, 8' to be sent to that plant ).

The operation panel 18, 18 'has, in one embodiment, a receiver for receiving messages or signals emitted from the control system 14, 14' in response to the fireman's request and at least one output device 36 for communicating a message to the fireman. The message includes at least one status of the request (for example "elevator sent", "the elevator has arrived" or "no elevator is available"), an elevator identification (for example, an elevator number) or a combination from them. The output device 36 can generate a visual output (for example, through a screen or a light source (for example, color coded lamps and / or intermittent lamps (LED)), an audio output corresponding to the message ( a registered or live ad), or a combination of them.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the output device 36 is a light source disposed below the button 34, so that the button 34 and the output device 36 form a pair. In addition, Figure 2 shows another button-a pair of output devices following the other pair. It is contemplated that the output device 36, or its functionality, may be integrated into the button 34, for example, the button 34 may have an integrated light source. In that embodiment, the MMI 28 does not have a separate output device.

In one embodiment, the receiver, the button 34 and the output device 36 are integrated into the MMI 28. However, it is contemplated that the cab communication system, or at least its loudspeaker, can be used as a output device for audio messages. In that case, the MMI 28 may not have a separate output device.

The MMI 28 can be configured in several ways. In one embodiment, the MMI 28 has a button 34 for both requesting an evacuation elevator car and also for releasing the evacuation elevator car, once it is ready to be sent to the evacuation plant. The output device 36, under the control of at least one of the control systems 14, 14 'and the group controller 16, confirms the request for an evacuation elevator car. For example, an intermittent light source of the output device 36 may indicate that the requested evacuation elevator car is on the way, and a constant light (eg, green) may indicate that the car has arrived and is waiting in the plant. Similarly, once the evacuation elevator car has been released, the light source can flash with a different frequency or different color to indicate it is on its way to the evacuation plant. A constant light indicates that the cabin has reached the evacuation plant.

In another embodiment, the M I 28 has a button ("request") 34 for requesting an evacuation elevator car, and another ("release") button 34 for releasing the evacuation elevator car. Each button 34 has an associated output device 36 ("request" and "release", respectively) to inform the firefighter about the status of the respective request. The light source of the output device 36 operates as described above. For example, the output device of the "request" 36 communicates a message that refers to the status of the evacuation elevator car after the dispatch of the evacuation elevator car, and the "release" output device 36 communicates a message relating to the status of the evacuation elevator car after the evacuation elevator car has been sent to the predefined evacuation plant.

In addition, the button 34 has, in one embodiment, a dial (numbered) for selecting one of the elevators 10, 10 'by turning the dial. Once the selection has been made, the button 34 is configured to be pressed by the fireman to request a lifting lift.

In yet another embodiment, MI 28 is configured to provide more information to the firefighter. For example, the MMI 28 may have a screen or other output device to display the message, for example "elevator sent", "the elevator has arrived" or "no elevator is available" and / or any other information deemed necessary for the fireman and his inspection task.

Fig. 3 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of an exemplary elevator system operating method 1 of Fig. 1 during an emergency situation. An emergency situation exists, for example, when one of the detectors installed inside the building as part of the building's fire alarm system is triggered by smoke, heat, gas or any other parameter indicative of a fire or an initial fire, and generates a signal indicative of fire situation. In such a situation, the elevator system 1 is switched from a normal operating mode to an emergency mode through the control system 14, 14 'and the group controller 16. The various steps of the method are described here for a situation of fire and from the perspective of the group controller 16, which is configured to operate according to the method. The method starts at the SI stage and ends at the S13 stage.

With reference to a step S2, the elevator system 1 operates in the normal operating mode, in which the group controller 16 continuously monitors the status of each elevator 10, 10 '. Due to that supervision, the group controller 16"knows" the various operating parameters of the elevators 10, 10 ', as mentioned above, and can assign a suitable elevator 10, 10' in response to a call.

Turning to a step S3, the method determines whether there is a fire situation or any other situation that can affect the safe operation of the elevator system 1. If there is no such alarm, the method returns along the branch NO to the stage S2. On the other hand, if the building's fire alarm system has issued an alarm, the method passes through the branch YES to a step S4.

In step S4, the group controller 16 removes all the elevator cabins 8, 8 'to a pre-designated evacuation plant ("evac") of the building, for example, the vestibule with exits from the building. The elevator cars 8, 8 'are parked with the doors open, and the elevators 10, 10' are temporarily taken out of service. After arrival, the fire department can override the recall function by activating the key switch of the fire department to use an elevator car 8, 8 'individually. In a group of elevators, at least one elevator is designated as a firemen's elevator. The firemen's lift is equipped to operate in a fire situation, for example it has slow burning material and / or additional filters installed in ventilation holes.

Turning to step S5, the group controller 16 allows operation only of the firemen's elevator once the firefighter has canceled the withdrawal function using the operation panel 18, 18 'inside the elevator car 8, 8'. The firefighter uses the firemen's elevator to inspect the building on a floor-by-floor basis, for example up to one or two floors below the plant that reported a fire condition. That is, the fireman stops the elevator car 8, 8 'on each floor Ll, L2, L3, checks if it is safe to open the elevator car 8, 8' and, if it is safe, verifies if they have to be evacuated Some occupant of the building.

Turning to a step S6, the group controller 16 determines whether a request for an evacuation elevator car has been sent. As described herein, the elevator car 8, 8 'used by the fire fighter is configured to allow the fire fighter to request, via the MMI 28, that an evacuation elevator car be sent to its current location (floor). If the firefighter requests an evacuation elevator cabin to evacuate occupants from the building, the firefighter presses, for example, a designated button (for example, button 34 in figure 2) in compartment 32 (hidden box) and the method passes along the branch YES to a step S7. If no evacuation is required, no request is sent; the method remains in the standby mode in step S6 (branch NO).

In step S7, the group controller 16 determines the location of the firemen's elevator. As mentioned with reference to step S2, the group controller 16 knows the status of each elevator 10, 10 'in operation. For example, group controller 16 stores status information, including location, of each elevator in a memory, from which location information can be retrieved, if required.

Moving to a step S8, the group controller 16 designates a suitable elevator car with respect to the location of the firemen's elevator as an evacuation elevator car. In one embodiment, the evacuation elevator car is one of the elevator cars parked in the pre-designated evacuation plant.

Moving to a step S9, the group controller sends the designated evacuation elevator car to the fireman's locations and parks it with the doors open. The occupants of the building who need to be evacuated can now enter the cabin under the control and authority of the firefighter.

Moving to a step S10, the group controller 16 determines whether an evacuation command has been sent. Once all occupants have entered the cabin, or the cabin is full, the firefighter issues an evacuation order, either from the fire elevator's cabin, or from the evacuation elevator cabin. For example, the firefighter can continue to inspect the building as soon as the evacuation elevator car is on its way to the evacuation plant. In the alternative, if there are still occupants in that plant, the firefighter may request that another evacuation elevator cabin be sent to that plant. The method should then perform steps S8-S10 again. If the group controller 16 determines that the pump has sent an evacuation command, the method passes along the branch YES to a stage Sil, otherwise wait (branch NO).

Turning to the Sil stage, the group controller Sil sends the evacuation elevator car to the evacuation plant. In the evacuation plant, the evacuated occupants of the building are received by other firefighters. As soon as the evacuation elevator car is empty, the evacuation elevator car is released, as shown in a step S12.

In step S13, the method ends. However, the method can be repeated as indicated by a dashed line leading to step S6.

Having described certain embodiments of the elevator system 1 and the method of operation of the elevator system 1 during an emergency situation, it is contemplated that the elevator system 1 and / or the operating method can be modified according to certain requirements . For example, the elevator system 1 can be configured to allow the firefighter to request more than one evacuation elevator car at the same time to his current plant. This may be desirable in a situation where the firefighter leads to a plant where many occupants are waiting, or has received prior information, for example through a cab communication system, that many occupants of the building are waiting.

To be prepared for such a case, the MMI 28 may have several buttons 34 and output devices 36, each pair assigned to a different elevator. The buttons 34 may be marked with the identification (for example, letters or numbers) of the elevators. The fireman can be instructed to select a neighboring elevator, or the group controller 16 is configured to assign an elevator car that reaches the proximity of the firemen's elevator, for example a neighboring elevator, but not in another corridor, so that the firefighter can supervise the boarding of all the evacuation elevator cabins, which is beneficial, for example, with limited visibility due to smoke.

Furthermore, as an alternative to the designation of a car parked in the evacuation plant described in step S8, the group controller 16 can designate any other suitable elevator car as an evacuation elevator. For example, the group controller 16 can select an elevator car that is closed to the current location of the fire fighter and still has the capacity to accept additional passengers. The elevator car can be operated, for example, by another fireman.

It is evident that a system and method for operating an elevator system during emergency situations that fully satisfy these objects, means and advantages set forth hereinabove has been described. For example, emergency personnel can evacuate a building more efficiently and repeatedly request an evacuation elevator cabin until all occupants of the building are evacuated from a plant, or the building. As soon as the emergency personnel releases, the evacuation elevator cabin, emergency personnel can continue to inspect the building without having to use the fire elevator for evacuation.

In addition, it is contemplated that the elevator system 1 and / or its group controller 16 may be configured to allow efficient and safe evacuation of a building, even if the designated fire elevator becomes inoperative. In that case, the firefighter can use the M I 28 to request an evacuation elevator and after his arrival, remove the fireman's key from the fire lighter now inoperative and release this firefighters lift. The firefighter can then insert the fireman's key into the panel of the evacuation elevator car, thereby canceling the evacuation function and registering the elevator as the new designated fire elevator.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

REIVI DICACIONES

1. - A method of operating an elevator system having at least two elevators in combination with an emergency situation, in which at least one elevator car is designated as an emergency personnel elevator car, which comprises: determining whether a request for an evacuation elevator car comes from an emergency personnel elevator car positioned on one of several floors of a building; sending an elevator car as an evacuation elevator car to the floor where the emergency personnel elevator car is positioned; Y send the evacuation elevator cabin to a predefined evacuation plant after receiving an evacuation order.

2. - The method of claim 1, wherein the evacuation order comes from the emergency personnel elevator car.

3. - The method of claim 1, wherein the evacuation order comes from the evacuation elevator car.

4. - The method of claim 1, further comprising opening a door of the evacuation elevator car in the plant to which it has been sent.

5. - The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a message to the emergency personnel elevator car, wherein the message includes at least one confirmation of the request and one identification of the elevator.

6. - The method of claim 5, further comprising communicating the message in the elevator cabin of emergency personnel.

7. - The method of claim 6, wherein the communication of the message includes at least one of generating a visual output and generating an audio output corresponding to the message.

8. - The method of claim 1, further comprising designating an elevator car other than the emergency personnel elevator car as the evacuation elevator car in response to the request for an evacuation elevator car.

9. - The method of claim 8, wherein the designation of the elevator car includes selecting an elevator car configured to reach the vicinity of the emergency personnel elevator car.

10. - The method of claim 8, wherein the designation of an elevator car includes selecting an elevator car close to the floor, in which the emergency personnel elevator car is positioned and which has the capacity to accept passengers.

11. - An operating system of an elevator system having at least two elevators in combination with an emergency situation, wherein at least one elevator car is designated as an emergency personnel elevator car, comprising: an operation panel within the emergency personnel elevator cabin configured to allow entry of an evacuation elevator car request; Y an elevator control system coupled to the operations panel and configured to communicate with the operation panel, in which the elevator control system is configured: to determine if the request for an evacuation elevator car comes from the emergency personnel elevator car positioned on one of several floors of a building; for sending an elevator car as an evacuation elevator car to the floor, where the emergency personnel elevator car is positioned; to send the evacuation elevator cabin to a predefined evacuation plant after receipt of an evacuation order.

12. - The system of claim 11, wherein the operation panel includes a man-machine interface, having at least one input device for requesting the evacuation elevator car and for entering the evacuation order.

13. - The system of claim 12, wherein the operation panel includes at least one output device for communicating a message that relates to the status of the evacuation elevator car.

14. - The system of claim 13, wherein the input device and the output device are integrated as an individual device.

15. - The system of claim 13, wherein the output device is configured to generate at least one of a visual output and an audio output.

16. - The system of claim 11, wherein the operation panel includes a man-machine interface having a first input device for requesting the evacuation elevator car and a second input device for entering the evacuation order.

17. - The system of claim 16, wherein the operation panel includes a first output device for communicating a first message that relates to a state of the evacuation elevator car after sending the evacuation elevator car to the plant in which the emergency personnel elevator car is positioned, and a second exit device for communicating a second message relating to a condition of the evacuation elevator car after sending the evacuating elevator car to the predefined evacuation plant.

18. - The system of claim 11, wherein the elevator control system is further configured to designate an elevator car other than the emergency personnel elevator car as the evacuation elevator car in response to the request of an evacuation elevator cabin.